Authorities in central Uganda have confirmed the arrest of at least 10 suspects believed to be connected to the ongoing theft of cattle from a state farm in Gomba District.
The arrests were made following the reported disappearance of five cows from the farm located in Kirasi, Ddegeya Parish, Maddu Sub-county on March 29.
According to the police, the Flying Squad Unit (FSU) from the crime intelligence headquarters was deployed to investigate the matter. They uncovered that a cattle dealer named Robert Nyanzi from Lwekibira Village was allegedly purchasing stolen cows from the state farm.
“The arrest of Robert Nyanzi led to the apprehension of five other individuals involved in the illegal cattle trade. These include Frank Aliho (29 years old), Fred Tatuleka, Gordon Tumusiime, Willy Kanyerezi (35 years old), and businessman Godfrey Gumisiriza,” stated police spokesperson Fred Enanga in a press release.
Additionally, four more suspects were apprehended on March 5, 2024, at approximately 8 pm. These suspects include Wilson Bazibumbira (40 years old), a veterinary officer attached to the farm, cattle dealer Ronald Kirimunte (50 years old), peasant farmer Matiya Byarugaba (56 years old), and farm manager Ronald Gitta (30 years old).
Enanga emphasized that investigations revealed a conspiracy among the cattle dealers and farm workers to carry out the thefts.
“We are continuing our investigations in collaboration with local partners to apprehend all suspects responsible for cattle theft from the state farm and dismantle their criminal network,” noted Enanga.
Cattle theft remains a persistent issue in remote parts of Uganda. Just recently, on April 1, police in Mbale City arrested a 30-year-old man and seized a Prado TX vehicle believed to have been used in transporting suspected stolen cows within and around Bugisu sub-region.
